Paula's Choice RESIST Barrier Repair Advanced Moisturizer with Ceramides Review

Paula's Choice RESIST Barrier Repair Advanced Moisturizer with Ceramides
4.4
/ 10
Moisturizing
6.4 Humectancy icon Humectancy
2.3 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
Review

Does Paula's Choice RESIST Barrier Repair Advanced Moisturizer with Ceramides Work?

 
According to CreamScan AI's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what Paula's Choice RESIST Barrier Repair Advanced Moisturizer with Ceramides has to offer:
 
  • Moderate moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 4.4 out of 10.

Key Benefits of Paula's Choice RESIST Barrier Repair Advanced Moisturizer with Ceramides

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using Paula's Choice RESIST Barrier Repair Advanced Moisturizer with Ceramides:
 

Lightweight Moisturizer Well-Suited for Combination and Oily Skin

According to CreamScan analysis, Paula's Choice RESIST Barrier Repair Advanced Moisturizer with Ceramides is quite moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 4.4 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Significantly more humectant. It has a low occlusivity of 2.3 out of 10 and a high humectancy of 6.4 out of 10, primarily due to the high content of Glycerin (est. ≈4.0%).

This type of moisturizer is well-suited for people with combination and oily skin who want significant hydration in a relatively lightweight, non-greasy formula. It combines a substantial amount of humectants with a limited amount of occlusive to enhance moisturizing efficacy without feeling too heavy.

This product may also be an option for people with normal skin who prefer fast-absorbing textures, as it balances significant moisturizing potential with a relatively lightweight texture.

A Humectant Enhancement for Any Skincare Routine

But it’s not limited to combination and oily skin - such a humectant enhancement will also positively contribute to the moisturizing efficacy of any skincare routine when used as a step before applying the main moisturizer. This type of formulation is typically used in serums, where a light, fast-absorbing texture is key.

Please refer to the Ratings section below for details of the moisturizing rating calculation.

Please note that this is not a complete list of benefits. We are in the process of enhancing our AI model to incorporate anti-pigmentation, exfoliation and anti-acne ratings.

Things to Be Aware Of: Paula's Choice RESIST Barrier Repair Advanced Moisturizer with Ceramides

 
CreamScan AI identified a few things to consider before adding Paula's Choice RESIST Barrier Repair Advanced Moisturizer with Ceramides to your skincare routine:
 

Questionable anti-wrinkle efficacy

If one of your main reasons for choosing Paula's Choice RESIST Barrier Repair Advanced Moisturizer with Ceramides is its potential anti-aging effects, please note that, according to CreamScan analysis, it currently has a zero anti-wrinkle rating.

It contains Adenosine and Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5, two ingredients often marketed as effective in reducing wrinkles. However, the studies supporting the anti-wrinkle claims of these ingredients provide insufficient evidence of efficacy according to CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards.

While this does not categorically exclude the possibility that these ingredients may reduce wrinkles, their efficacy is not supported by convincing, vehicle-controlled, double-blind clinical studies - at least none that were accessible to the CreamScan team at the time of publication.

Therefore, these ingredients do not generate the anti-wrinkle rating.

Moisturizers, when used regularly, are proven to prevent wrinkle formation and even reduce existing wrinkles. Therefore, this product, like any other moisturizer, can deliver some anti-wrinkle effects through its moisturizing action.

Please refer to the Ratings section below for details of the anti-wrinkle rating calculation.

Pros & Cons of Paula's Choice RESIST Barrier Repair Advanced Moisturizer with Ceramides

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of Paula's Choice RESIST Barrier Repair Advanced Moisturizer with Ceramides to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your skincare routine:
 

Pros:

  • When used alone: Provides humectant-rich moisturizing well-suited for combination and oily skin
  • Also an option for people with normal skin who prefer fast-absorbing textures
  • As part of a routine: A humectant moisturizing enhancement, beneficial for any skin type
  • Lightweight texture

Cons: 

  • Questionable anti-wrinkle efficacy

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
65
9
6
4
3
2.5
2
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Dicaprylyl Carbonate
Function:
Origin:
Ethylhexyl Stearate
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Cocoglycerides
Function:
Origin:
Squalane
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Polyacrylate
Function:
Origin:
Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter
Function:
Origin:
Ceramide NP
Function:
Origin:
Ceramide AP
Function:
Origin:
Ceramide AS
Function:
Origin:
Ceramide NS
Function:
Origin:
Ceramide EOP
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Hyaluronate
Function:
Origin:
Adenosine
Function:
Origin:
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5
Function:
Origin:
Citrullus Lanatus (Watermelon) Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Glyceryl Stearate
Function:
Origin:
Caprylyl Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Hydroxyacetophenone
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate
Function:
Origin:
Hexylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Tocopherol
Function:
Origin:
2,3-Butanediol
Function:
Origin:
Xanthan Gum
Function:
Origin:
Ethylhexylglycerin
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Phytate
Function:
Origin:
Sodium PCA
Function:
Origin:
Urea
Function:
Origin:
Hydrogenated Lecithin
Function:
Origin:
Trehalose
Function:
Origin:
Polyquaternium-51
Function:
Origin:
Triacetin
Function:
Origin:
Cholesterol
Function:
Origin:
Phenoxyethanol
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
6.4
4
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
4.6
2.5
1.5
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
4.4
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 6.4 10
6.4
4
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 4.6 20
2.3
2.5
1.5
0.3
0.3
Moisturizing rating
4.4
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
4
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 6.4 10
6.4
All humectants
6.4
4
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
2.5
1.5
0.3
0.3
All occlusives 4.6 20
2.3
All occlusives
4.6
2.5
1.5
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
n/a
- 0.3 -
n/a
- 0.3 -
Total
0
Adenosine
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Anti-wrinkle rating
0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
0.3
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 0.9 3 No
All antioxidants
0.9
Sodium Hyaluronate
0.3
Hydroxyacetophenone
0.3
Tocopherol
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
None
All soothing 0 5 No
All soothing
0
None
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Water
Est. %65
Function
Origin
WaterThe most used ingredient in skincare. Its concentration defines the product texture: rich creams may have about 50% of water while a light jelly about 90%. Water doesn’t moisturize the skin by itself and is used in skincare as a solvent for other ingredients.
Dicaprylyl Carbonate
Est. %9
Function
Origin
Dicaprylyl CarbonateA very fast-spreading emollient that gives a product an incredibly lightweight feel. Dicaprylyl carbonate works well as a solvent for suspending insoluble solids such as mineral sunscreens or iron oxide pigments.
Ethylhexyl Stearate
Est. %6
Function
Origin
Ethylhexyl StearateA palm-derived emollient ester with good lubricity that leaves a smooth after-feel on the skin.
Glycerin
Est. %4
Function
Origin
Glycerin

The most popular moisturizing ingredient in the world. It is a powerful humectant – cheap yet very effective.

Cocoglycerides
Est. %3
Function
Origin
CocoglyceridesA naturally-derived emollient with medium spreadability. It is oil-like and makes skin feel soft and not sticky.
Squalane
Est. %2.5
Function
Origin
SqualaneAn occlusive moisturizing and emollient compound that forms part of the skin’s sebum. The main source of squalane had always been shark liver. Now, however, it is manufactured synthetically or derived from plant oils, such as olive and peanut oil.
Sodium Polyacrylate
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Sodium PolyacrylateThis white powder is primarily used as a viscosity controlling agent. It is added to the water phase, which then thickens to form a clear gel. Sodium polyacrylate can also serve as an emollient, absorbent, and emulsion stabilizer.
Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) ButterA semi-solid, buttery fat extracted from the seeds of the Shea tree that is a wonderful occlusive and emollient ingredient mainly comprised of fatty acids. Shea butter contains a large amount of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds.
Ceramide NP
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ceramide NPAlso known as ceramide 3, it is the most common ceramide in our skin. It helps to restore the skin’s lipid barrier and alleviate the symptoms of dry and cracked skin. Research has shown that skin suffering from conditions such as AD lacks ceramides.
Ceramide AP
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ceramide APPreviously called Ceramide 6 II, Ceramide AP is one of the most common ceramides in the skin. Research has shown that dry, flaky skin has significantly less Ceramide AP. Its application helps to treat dry skin by restoring balance in the skin lipids.
Ceramide AS
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ceramide AS
Ceramide NS
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ceramide NSA wax-like lipid natural to the skin’s lipid matrix. It is less frequently used but, in combination with other ceramides, can help to restore balance in the skin’s lipid barrier.
Ceramide EOP
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ceramide EOP

Formerly called Ceramide 1, this ingredient is a skin-identical wax-like lipid with an ultra-long fatty acid chain. It restores and stabilizes the skin’s lipid matrix and helps to treat dry and flaky skin, especially when combined with other ceramides.

Sodium Hyaluronate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium Hyaluronate

A sodium salt of famous hyaluronic acid. A potent humectant that hydrates the skin, supports collagen function, and fills out small wrinkles. Sodium hyaluronate also offers soothing and antioxidant properties.

Adenosine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Adenosine

A key molecule responsible for energy transportation, signaling, and enzyme activity. Adenosine is a popular anti-wrinkle ingredient, however, the key study about its anti-wrinkle efficacy (1) does not meet CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards as it is not double-blind.

Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5

A small synthetic peptide that signals the skin to produce more collagen. It has been clinically tested and proven to reduce skin roughness and the appearance of wrinkles.

Citrullus Lanatus (Watermelon) Seed Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Citrullus Lanatus (Watermelon) Seed OilA fatty oil derived from watermelon seeds that contains a good amount of occlusive moisturizing and emollient linoleic acid, followed by oleic and palmitic acids.
Glyceryl Stearate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Glyceryl StearateAn emollient and emulsifier typically derived from vegetable sources through a chemical reaction with glycerin. It provides stability, texture, and consistency to formulations. Its main function is to allow oil and water to mix.
Caprylyl Glycol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Caprylyl GlycolAn emollient that improves product spreadability and offers a silky feel on the skin. It also acts as a preservative booster that improves the efficacy of other preservatives. According to the manufacturer, it is also a humectant moisturizer.
Hydroxyacetophenone
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
HydroxyacetophenoneAn antioxidant compound that can be found in many plants, although it is manufactured synthetically for skincare purposes. It can boost the preservative action of other conservants.
Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium Stearoyl GlutamateA useful ingredient for both cleansing and emulsifying purposes. It is a powerful agent for washing away dirt and oils from the skin.
Hexylene Glycol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hexylene GlycolA multifunctional ingredient that is best known for its use as a solvent. It can dissolve both water-based ingredients and oils. For this reason, it can also function as an emulsifier, allowing oil and water ingredients to mix and remain stable.
Tocopherol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Tocopherol

Simply another name for vitamin E. Tocopherol is a fantastic ingredient and especially beneficial for dry and inflamed skin. It has occlusive moisturizing, emollient, antioxidant, and photoprotective properties.

2,3-Butanediol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
2,3-Butanediol
Xanthan Gum
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Xanthan GumA natural multi-functional ingredient that originates from fermented sugars. Xanthan gum acts as a viscosity-building agent to thicken skincare products. It is also an excellent stabilizer and works well to hold other ingredients together.
Ethylhexylglycerin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
EthylhexylglycerinA preservative booster derived from glycerin. It is commonly paired with other preservatives to improve their efficacy. Ethylhexylglycerin is also a humectant due to its chemical base of glycerin.
Sodium Phytate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium PhytateSodium phytate is a chelating agent that serves to remove heavy metal ions from water. Removing metal ions helps other ingredients, such as antioxidants and preservatives, to perform better and keep products from separating.
Sodium PCA
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium PCAOne of the most important parts of the skin's Natural Moisturizing Factor, a mixture of various compounds that keeps the skin’s surface well hydrated. Sodium PCA is used in skincare for its fantastic humectant properties.
Urea
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
UreaUrea can be found in urine, skin, and other tissues as a degradation product of proteins. In concentrations below 5%, urea is humectant moisturizing. At concentrations above 10% it is keratolytic, that helps to break away old, flaking, and cracked skin.
Hydrogenated Lecithin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hydrogenated LecithinA version of plain lecithin that has been saturated with hydrogen atoms. This ingredient can be derived from plants, like soy or sunflower, from egg yolks, or made synthetically. Its major function is to emulsify water and oils.
Trehalose
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
TrehaloseA sweet-tasting saccharide that can be found in various yeasts and fungi and that is manufactured from starch for cosmetic purposes. It is one of the most popular sugars in skincare and is mainly used for its humectant properties.
Polyquaternium-51
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Polyquaternium-51A biocompatible phospholipid copolymer that is designed to mimic the lipid-based cell membrane found in human skin. Its main function is as a humectant moisturizer.
Triacetin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Triacetin
Cholesterol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
CholesterolAn emollient and important barrier repairing lipid, effective when combined with fatty acids and ceramides. Around 25% of the skin’s lipid layer is made up of cholesterol and it is found in the membrane of every single cell in our body.
Phenoxyethanol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PhenoxyethanolThe most frequently used preservative in skincare. It is a clear, oil-like liquid synthetic substance that protects products from harmful bacteria and yeast, whilst still leaving skin microflora unharmed. It is confirmed by research to be harmless.